A Visit to Villa Kérylos – Ancient Greece on the French Riviera
From the outside, Villa Kérylos doesn’t look like much. Sitting quietly on the edge of the Baie des Fourmis, away from the main coastal road in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, it lacks the instant glamour of David Niven’s house and the theatrical grandeur of Villa Ephrussi. Yet stepping through its doors reveals a place that is both extraordinary and unexpectedly beautiful – where the spirit of ancient Greece meets the elegance of the French Riviera.
Why Visit Villa Kérylos?
Villa Kérylos is a must for anyone with an interest in history or architecture. Built as a meticulous recreation of an ancient Greek noble house, it offers an experience that feels authentic rather than staged. While it may not be as instantly Instagrammable as Villa Ephrussi, it is still a feast for the camera, rewarding those who appreciate light, texture, and detail. Whether you’re here for the story, the design, or simply the views over the Mediterranean, it’s a stop worth making.
What to Expect Inside Villa Kérylos
Crossing the threshold of Villa Kérylos feels like travelling back two thousand years. The house is modest in scale compared to the Belle Époque mansions nearby, but the experience within is immersive. You ascend the main staircase into a bright open courtyard, the beating heart of the villa. Light floods the space, glinting off intricate mosaics that cover the floors and walls. A small fountain trickles softly in the centre, adding to the villa’s sense of calm.
The rooms unfold around this courtyard, each recreated with meticulous authenticity. This is no sterile museum; it feels like a home that has survived untouched from the ancient world. The details are extraordinary – geometric mosaic floors, walls adorned with classical decoration, statues positioned as though they have always stood there. Upstairs, the villa reveals its more intimate spaces: a bedroom decorated with ancient motifs, a bathing room that hints at the rituals of another age, and a reclining room where you can almost imagine its owners draped in togas, enjoying the sea breeze.
It’s immersive without ever tipping into the artificial. Villa Kérylos avoids the trap of feeling like a theme park; instead, it draws you into an atmosphere of light, art, and history. There are information panels for context, but the magic comes from simply being there. It is unexpectedly beautiful, a place that stays with you long after you leave – and one that calls you back.
Current Exhibition: The Gold of Time by Gabriel Leger
During our visit, we noted subtle touches of gold shimmering threads in curtains, glints on branches, delicate patterns woven through the villa. I had assumed they were just part of the decor, but only later did I learn they were part of The Gold of Time, a temporary installation by artist Gabriel Leger.
Running from 18 May to 21 September 2025, this exhibition forms part of the ‘Un artiste, un monument’ programme by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. Leger has created fifteen original works specifically for Villa Kérylos, designed to echo Théodore Reinach’s vision while exploring how the past and present intertwine. Celestial fabrics, brass curtains inscribed with Greek poetry and ancient oracles, and metallic olive and laurel branches fold into the villa’s architecture, enhancing and at times gently disrupting its harmony.
The effect is subtle adding movement to otherwise static objects. On reflection the villa could be quite ‘plain’ without it so I would be interested to return again next year and see if there is a difference.
How to Visit Villa Kérylos (Tickets, Access & Tips)
Address: Rue Gustave Eiffel, 06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France
Website: https://www.villakerylos.fr/en
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm (check the website for seasonal changes).
Best Time to Visit: Morning, when the villa is quiet and cool.
Time Required: Allow up to an hour to explore fully.
Facilities: Toilets are available before the ticket office. There is a small gift shop but no café or food/drink facilities.
Tickets: €13 per person. Discounts available – bring ID for student concessions. Combined tickets with Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild offer good value if visiting both.
Villa Kérylos is an easy walk from Beaulieu-sur-Mer railway station or the nearest bus stop. From here, you can continue along the Promenade Maurice Rouvier, which passes David Niven’s house and leads on to Villa Ephrussi at Cap Ferrat – a perfect route to experience the best of this coastline in one day.
Villa Kérylos is just one of the treasures in this golden triangle of the Riviera. Keep an eye out for our upcoming guides to Villa Ephrussi, the Royal Riviera Hotel, and even the hidden rock’n’roll history of Villa Nellcôte, all within walking distance or a short drive from here.